EA Sports has announced a partnership with back-to-back and reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.
Under the terms of the deal, the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver will collaborate with EA Sports to create content across its portfolio.
Verstappen will also be sponsored by game publisher, with EA Sports branding appearing on the chin of his race helmet during the F1 2023 season, which starts in March.
“Max is a tenacious competitor and true champion who shares a deep love of games and play,” said Andrea Hopelain, SVP of brand for EA Sports racing. “As he races into Formula 1 history, we are excited to collaborate with him as one of the best athletes in the world to bring more fans together through our EA Sports experiences.”
Verstappen commented: “Whether it’s playing games with my friends or staying competitive when away from the track, EA Sports has always been a big part of my life. EA Sports is an icon for so many millions of fans, and I’m proud to represent them for the 2023 season.”
EA-owned Codemasters has an agreement in place to make F1 racing games until 2025, with a further option for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Its most recent series entry, F1 2022, was released last summer. VGC’s review called it Codemasters’ best yet, but not by a distance.
“The improved handling and supercar challenges are cancelled out by the lack of a story mode and the superfluous new F1 Life mode, making for a game that gives as much as it takes away,” we wrote.
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